A little-known legacy left by Ludwig are the sleighs and coaches housed today in the fascinating Marstallmuseum in Nymphenburg Castle, Munich. Don't miss this part of the castle if you're ever there!

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The court-theatre designer Franz Seitz provided the initial designs for Ludwig's sleighs and coaches. This would be the reason for the flamboyant, theatrical appearance of them.

State Sleigh

Constructed of gilded carved wood, Ludwig's favourite sleigh is covered in cherubs fighting each other to hold the crown, and tritons on the runners blowing conch-shell horns to announce the King's arrival. It is a glorious piece of escapism. Ludwig would often ride this sleigh on a winter's night between Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, as well as excursions into Austria. Built between 1872 - 1880. Inside the crown at the front is an electric light powered by a huge battery hidden under the seat.

Nymph Sleigh

A smaller sleigh for more local journeys. Named after the nymph holding two torches that features so prominently at the front. These torches housed electric lights as in the State Sleigh, powered by a hidden battery.

Two coaches were built for Ludwig, these fitting in with the style of Linderhof as did the sleighs.

State Coach

Built between 1870 and 1871. An amazing explosion of decoration in the style of Louis XV. Actually modelled on the Coronation Coach of Elector Karl Albrecht, built in Paris in 1740, and also housed at Nymphenburg.

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Small Gala Coach

Built between 1872 and 1879, this richly decorated coach in a Rococo style was mainly used by the King for travel between Hohenschwangau and Linderhof. It is an ingenious design, allowing the body to be lifted off the framework, and converted into a covered sleigh during winter. (You can see the front runner between the compartment and the front wheel.)

Ludwig arrives at an inn in the Tyrol, Austria, during a nocturnal sleigh ride. The Small Gala Coach has been converted into a sleigh. Postcard from the 1880's.

This glorious flight into Fantasyland was designed by Franz Seitz around 1870. It was probably intended for voyages around the Alpsee or other alpine lakes. As it was designed 3 years before the purchase of the Herreninsel, it was not designed to ferry the King to Herrenchiemsee, as one would expect. The fact that such a top-heavy craft could never remain afloat, or galley slaves would be impossible to find in 19th Century Germany to row it never entered Ludwig's mind. Like many projects, the enjoyment was gained from merely creating it on paper. As with other projects, practicality was an alien concept to Ludwig.

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